Disney star Christy Carlson Romano revealed that he “may have advanced cancer” after recent medical tests.
Romano, 41, broke down as he elaborated on the news in an Instagram video shared on Tuesday, February 17. “One day I took this cancer test. Both of my parents had cancer. My mother beat it, my father ended up not, my grandmother on my mother’s side had lung cancer and she died from it,” he began while sitting on the couch in his house.
“I got a little bit of results before filming in Florida,” said Romano, who recently wrapped his role in the upcoming Hallmark movie. Vacations That Stay Back: The Disney World Wish Feelinghe continued. “My husband’s [results] it came back completely negative. Mine came back negative, so what does that mean I may have advanced cancer. “
Romano is married to a writer and producer Brendan Rooney in 2013 and the couple share two daughters, Isabella, 9, and Sofia, 7.
The actor took a video clip to clarify his next steps. “I’m going to have a PET scan later this week and hopefully it’s something easy to treat,” she wrote. “I’ve been debating whether or not to post this because I’m afraid I’ll come out “angry.” But I decided it was my job to share, so people could get out there and get tested. “
Romano, best known for his first role as Ren Stevens on Disney Channel’s Even Stevenshe also talked about how James Van Der BeekHis recent death at the age of 48 from cancer, prompted him to get himself checked for cancer.
“I’m in Austin and I was able to meet James Van Der Beek a lot. His family is amazing, he was a pillar of our community in Texas,” she explained through tears. “They always raised money for amazing charities but he’s no longer with us, and cancer is everywhere – that’s why I got this test.”
Romano’s cancer scare came about one year after she was shot in the face while celebrating her husband’s birthday. Sharing how the incident “profoundly” changed his life on Instagram in February 2025, Romano shed light on his changed mindset during that time. “I feel more grateful than I’ve ever felt in my life and I’m really recovering. Every day, for me, is a gift,” she told fans. I used to shut myself off from sharing the things I loved in my life for fear of being judged. Now I don’t care anymore.”
Romano had this to say in Tuesday’s video. “[This is a] a very vulnerable time for me. About 367 days since I was shot in the face.” He said: “The time to have a strong sense of faith and to know that we are in God’s hands is a big part of it. I’m sure people think I’m overreacting but I’m not because cancer is dangerous and I have two little girls. This is a very touching post. “
He ended his health update on a positive note, showing a determined approach to whatever the future brings. “If you’re a person like me, you have to live day by day and be truly grateful for all the amazing things around you,” he said before giving fans two thumbs up. “So, know that I have a loving family around me to support me and I will continue to fight for answers and finally give you updates.”
